What Is jQuery

0 comments 4:17:00 PM Posted by WoWeb

In modern website design and development, jQuery is the most popular JavaScript library in use. jQuery extends the possibilities of the website and simplifies the entire website development process. jQuery is a multi-browser JavaScript library aimed to simplify the client-side scripting of HTML. jQuery enables web developers to save web development time and write a minimum amount of code.

Why jQuery

jQuery is a well written, compact JavaScript code. jQuery library is a single JavaScript file. jQuery is free, open source software. Using jQuery, web programmers develop plug-ins on top of the JavaScript library. The jQuery allows the creation of dynamic web pages and web applications with powerful features.

The official jQuery slogan "Write less, do more" says it all. From jQuery official website: “it is a fast and concise JavaScript Library that simplifies HTML document traversing, event handling, animating, and Ajax interactions for rapid web development. jQuery is designed to change the way that you write JavaScript.”

jQuery features

jQuery increases the productivity of the website development process and boosts the website’s functionality. Let’s briefly look at jQuery features which make this JavaScript library so popular in website development today:

FREE, open source software
Clean and compact JavaScript code
Single JavaScript file
Search Engine Optimized
Works in all browsers
Improves web application functionality, interactivity
Makes web pages more user friendly, faster loading, most browser-compatible
Saves web development time, enables web developers to write less code
Simplifies using AJAX, makes it easy to handle DOM objects
Highly extensible with wide range of plugins
Saves web design and development time
Well organized documentation

In modern website programming, jQuery is the most efficient and widely used JavaScript library available. Google, Amazon, Twitter, Bank of America and many other worlds’ most powerful websites use jQuery.

Asynchronous JavaScript and XML: What Is AJAX?

0 comments 5:39:00 PM Posted by WoWeb

AJAX is a combination of web development and programming technologies for creating fast-loading interactive websites and web applications based on XML, HTML, CSS and Java Script. Using Ajax technologies professional web designers and web developers are able to create modern web applications with cutting-edge accessibility and interactivity.

Developing Ajax Web Applications

AJAX stands for Asynchronous JavaScript and XML. The technology allows developing better and quicker applications. The key is that Ajax web apps retrieve data from a server asynchronously without interfering with the display of the existing web page. In other words, the asynchronous nature of AJAX allows the browser to exchange data with a server while the user is doing other things. So, the user does not have to wait for the entire web page to refresh.

Typically, the interaction between the user and the server is synchronous. It includes the processes requiring a lot of user waiting. The user accesses the web application. Then, the request is processed by the server. The server sends data to the browser while the user waits. AJAX acts independently of web server software. When the user clicks on an Ajax-based application, the page shows what they are asking for without reloading the entire browser page. Ajax uses XHTML for content, CSS for presentation and JavaScript for displaying dynamic content.

One of the perfect examples of Ajax application is Google Maps. Google was the first to use web development technique "Ajax". Besides mapping applications, examples of AJAX apps are chats, e-mail applications, real-time searches, shopping cart apps, etc.

Building websites based on Ajax:

• XHTML and CSS browser-based presentation

• Interaction with the page through The DOM

• Data stored in XML and received from the server

• Data retrieval with XMLHttpRequest in the browser

• JavaScript

The most appealing benefit of Ajax is that it works within the browser and allows for the interaction with the application and the user to go independently of the interaction with the server. But, remember that AJAX applications will not work in web browsers that do not support JavaScript. A mixture of web design and development techniques, AJAX has become an integral approach used in modern web development.

New Website Planning

0 comments 5:17:00 PM Posted by WoWeb

If you are serious about developing a website, then a basic website planning advice is just what you need. Below, we list main paths you have to go start a website. Starting a website is not an easy task, so making a website design and development plan is the right decision. Good website planning is a first step in the website development process.

On the whole, the general golden rule of website planning is simple: know what you want. For successful website development, you should define your purpose and put yourself in your target audience shoes. According to the website purpose and potential audience expectations you have to choose your website type and overall style. Below, find out the main points you have to think of when planning a website.

Choose website type, analyze target audience

To get a website, you have to decide on which website type best meets your needs. There are different website types used for many purposes. So, decide whether it will be an e-commerce site, informative website, personal website, or other. By defining your website type, it will be easier for you to understand target audience expectations as well make the right decisions on website design and content development.

Decide on website structure and unique features

Choosing the design style and features is one more important step in website planning and developing. When getting ideas for your new website, remember to put yourself on your target audience shoes. For instance, if you plan to start an online shop, you will have to implement user-friendly navigation, attractive menus, image slideshows, product galleries, product rating system, etc.

Plan website developing budget

If you plan to build professional website, think of how much money you are ready to invest. If you plan to create a website for profit you will have to invest in many different website development services like unique website design, top quality website programming, SEO optimization, and other off-site and on-site activities. The website development prices depend on the size and complexity of your future website.

Bring in web design and development professionals

If you are serious about getting a serious website that will serve you for years to come, you want to get a well-developed website. So, finding the right web design and development professionals is a sure way to your website prosperity. If your website is well-designed and developed, it will get more visitors, high search engine ranks and generate good profits. Experienced website designers and programmers will definitely help you on your way to getting a website that works for your purpose.

Developing a strategic plan for a new website worth your time and efforts. Thorough website planning helps you to make informed decisions about website design and development issues.

Main Types Of Websites

2 comments 5:14:00 PM Posted by WoWeb

If you decide to design and develop website, you have first to determine the goal of your future site. Then, based on the goal, you have to decide on which website type will best serve your needs. There are different website types developed for many purposes and uses. Let’s overview main types of websites, so you can choose website type that will meet your purpose.

Types Of Websites: Static and Dynamic Sites

Based on the technical method used to build a website, there are two website types: static and dynamic.

Static are websites that have web pages stored on the server and display fixed content to the user. Static websites are coded in HTML and the website pages can be updated independently in an HTML editor. Static websites are often small websites which include static information. They usually contain texts, images, simple navigation menus. Static websites are very easy to start and maintain. To publish and update the static website you do not need any special web design and web programming experience.

Dynamic websites are typically a larger website that is database-driven. Dynamic sites usually include hundreds of web pages with huge amount of different content. Dynamic sites are connected to a database where the content is stored in an organized way. Dynamic pages get information from a database and can be customized frequently and automatically according to your specific needs.

Choose Your Website Type

Based on the content and use of the website, websites fall into basic types:

• Business and e-commerce sites, online stores

• Personal sites, online diaries, blogs

• Informative or educational sites

• Social networks and communication portals

• Search websites and directories

• Download sites, entertainment sites

• Audio and video web portals

• Reviews websites, rating sites

• Other types of websites

E-commerce websites

Ecommerce websites, online shopping sites and business sites are type of websites where you can purchase goods or services online. You can also find complete information about a business or company. E-commerce websites are built and designed specifically to solve your business needs and make money. They are always dynamic and cover great amount of content as well as different menus, payment system, shopping basket, etc. E-commerce website design and development requires a serious investment as well as an experienced web development team.

Personal websites

The primary goal behind personal websites is usually not about money-making. Personal websites contain information about an individual or group hobbies, interests, life, events, and other personal thoughts, photos, etc. Personal websites can be in the form of online diaries and blogs. Writing and sharing personal things is the main idea of personal blogs and websites.

Blogs

Blogs are very popular type of website. Blogs display dated articles on different topics delivered in a chronological way. A blog is usually run by an individual user or a group of users publishing regular entries and random thoughts on different subjects. The blog may include chat rooms and discussion forums. Most popular free blog services today are WordPress and Blogger.

Informative websites

Informative websites deliver information in an educational way and teach users various subjects. Educational and information websites are developed and designed in the form encyclopedias, online guides, article catalogs, info brochures, etc. For instance, all-knowing Wikipedia.com and About.com are good examples of educational/informational sites.

Entertainment portals, social networks

Social network sites are a type of website rules the modern Web. Via social networks people share things, communicate, make and meet friends and chat online. Today, Facebook is the most popular and most successful social network. Entertainment portals are often large websites containing entertainment news, online games, music, videos, and different type of fun and exciting content.

When deciding on the website type, keep in mind that there are other types of websites and your own site can be a unique mixture of different attention-grabbing technical and visual aspects grabbed from different types of websites.

What Is MySQL, Why Use MySQL Database

2 comments 4:24:00 PM Posted by WoWeb

Website database is like a file storage cabinet. Any high-volume websites or web-based business needs a reliable database to monitor business processes, store information and gather all website data. One of the most popular databases used on modern database-driven websites contain websites is MySQL. This is a very powerful and efficient database system that runs as a server providing access to a number of databases. MySQL is open source and falls under the terms of GNU General Public License.

The world's largest websites like Wikipedia, Facebook, Twitter, Flickr, YouTube are driven by MySQL database.

What is a Database

Database is an organized collection of data. The database gives websites high functionality, allows monitoring data accuracy and manipulating a big amount of content. The database is maintained through Database Management System (DBMS), a system of programs providing essential data administration tools and functions. The choice of the database for a website depends on the type and amount of data to be stored and processed. The content in the website database is usually managed by using a Content Management System (CMS). High-volume websites that include information about users, customers, products, transactions, and more data need a reliable web database.

What is MySQL Database

MySQL (often pronounced as "sequel") is a popular free database management system used on modern web applications. This open source database is used on Joomla, WordPress, Drupal, and other applications. MySQL database works on many different system platforms, including Linux, Mac, Windows, etc.

MySQL is a relational database. A relational database uses tables to store information. Each table contains data categories in columns and rows. Relational databases are built using a special computer language, structured query language (SQL).

Why Use MySQL

As an open source program, MySQL is customizable and allows you to add specific requirements to the server. MySQL is a client/server system. For client programming can be used programming languages like C, C++, Java, Perl, Python, PHP. For the building of MySQL database driven apps there are many application programming interfaces and libraries. MySQL can be executed under a number of operating systems like Apple Macintosh OS X, Linux, Microsoft Windows, Unix.

MySQL database offers absolute security and data protection. MySQL is equipped with SSH and SSL support and powerful mechanisms for ensuring that only authorized users can access to the database server. MySQL backup utilities allow for complete backup and recovery. MySQL database server can be configured specifically for a particular web application, whether these are transaction processing systems (TPS) or high volume sites that deal with hundreds of queries every day.

Equipped with many tools and performance-enhancing possibilities, as well as easy to use and reliable, MySQL has become the database of choice for modern website development.

How Website Works

1 comments 5:02:00 PM Posted by WoWeb

How a website works? How to make a website work? Like a living thing, a website works well when all parts work well with one another. When one part of the website is not working, it negatively affects all other parts and the website fails to work at its full potential.

How to make a website work

A website is made up from web pages. All website pages are linked together. The website has a lot of files like images, graphics, texts, and more content. A web page is an HTML file coded by web programmers and viewed by a web browser. The web server is a computer dedicated specifically to host websites, so the website files are stored there. The website folder has an internet address (URL) and when you type in the website domain name, a browser finds the website on the server and displays the site on your screen.

Knowing how websites work and how things are done is helpful for everyone looking to build a website. It expands your understanding of the web design and development process a lot clearer. Below, we shortly explain how website works and point out the fundamentals that make a website work.

Domain Name

Domain name is an online identity of the website. A website’s domain is a website identification on the web, such as woweb.com, about.com, wikipedia.org, etc. The domain name is a unique alphanumeric name that consists of English letters, numbers 0-9, and hyphens (-). Every domain name has a suffix or extension that indicates which type of organization or country it belongs. You can buy a domain name and server space from different companies or from the same company. A domain is not the same as URL. The domain name is part of website url that provides much more information, including the specific page address, folder name, machine name, and protocol language. URL (Uniform Resource Locator) is a web address or a specific character string that constitutes a reference to a web resource. A domain name is actually a memorable "name" of the website, and it is not the same as IP Address.

Web Browser

Web browser is a software program that retrieves and displays information resources on the web. A web browser translates the coding into a user-friendly form. Browsers access information provided by web servers and display the web page on the screen of your PC. The today’s most used web browsers are Google Chrome, Firefox, Opera, Safari.

Web Server

Web server is a remote computer developed to deliver web content that can be accessed through the Internet. When the user enters the domain in the browser, the Web server responds to a browser’s request for a web page. To host your website on the server you have to buy a server space. Domain Name Server (DNS) translates domain names into IP addresses. Every time you use a domain, the DNS translates the domain into the related IP.

Web Hosting

Web hosting stores the website files and makes the site accessible on the internet. Web hosts are companies providing internet connectivity and space on a server. When a user enters the domain name into the browser, the website is loaded from its web host. There are different types of web hosting services that offer domain names, e-mail, databases, SSL encryption, and automated website backup in the event of a server outage.

HTML/PHP/CSS

PHP is a reliable web programming technology used in modern website development to write dynamic websites. Websites like Wikipedia, Yahoo!, Delicious, Facebook are powered by PHP. A style sheet language CSS is used to style web pages written in HTML and XHTML. An HTML file can be uploaded to a web server, where any computer with a web browser and an Internet connection can access it. Most modern websites use PHP and CSS.

Web Page Content

Web page content is any information you see and use on a web page and website, including graphics, images, texts, etc. The primary reason why people come to the website is the content. Web pages content should be unique, reliable, useful, well-organized, link-wise, keyword-smart, and fresh. Good website content builds user trust and boosts website prominence on search engines.

CMS

Content Management System (CMS) is a software equipped with options for website content administration. CMS allows updating website content according to the website users’ needs and expectations. Having the right CMS gives an absolute control over the website content. Modern CMS are easy to manage and feature many add-ons for administration of various types of web page content.

Now you know how websites work in general, what you need to make a website work and how your own future website will be working!

CSS: What Is Cascading Style Sheets

0 comments 4:47:00 PM Posted by WoWeb

Cascading Style Sheets CSS is an important web design and development tool meant to define the look and feel of websites and web pages. In simple words, web developers use CSS to add unique style to web pages. CSS defines how HTML attributes are to be displayed on a web page.

Cascading Style Sheets CSS

CSS (Cascading Style Sheets) enables the separation of HTML document from document presentation, such as layout, colors, fonts. Styles are stored in .css files enabling web masters to change website layout by editing one single file. There are Author Style Sheets (created by the web page author); User Style Sheets (set by the web page user); User Agent Style Sheets (styles applied by the web browser to display the web page).

• CSS stands for Cascading Style Sheets

• CSS defines how to display HTML elements

• CSS is used to style XHTML, XML markup

• Formatting styles stored in separate .css files

• All modern browsers support CSS

CSS In Modern Web Design & Development

In modern website development, CSS programming is a service on demand. CSS helps web design and development professionals to add fonts, colors and other formatting to web pages. Developed and maintained by the World Wide Web Consortium, CSS helps web developers to separate content from design and save a lot of working time. Prior to CSS, the presentational elements of HTML docs were contained within the HTML markup. All colors, styles, borders, fonts, etc had to be repeatedly described within the HTML file. CSS allows creating a simpler HTML file and move the formatting information to separate file.

Cascading Style Sheets CSS is one of the most useful and helpful tools web designers and web developers use to build professional websites with unique look and feel. CSS gives many great options allowing enhancing the website design and functioning. Take a glance at some of WOWEB projects using CSS Cascading Style Sheets.

CSS Coding, CSS/HTML, Programming